Shanghai, China - July 12, 2023 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Chinese icebreaking research vessel Xue Long 2
2. Various of people aboard waving goodbye
3. Flag reading "China's 13th Arctic scientific expedition"
4. Various of Xue Long 2

Shanghai, China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Wang Jinhui, captain of China's 13th Arctic scientific expedition mission:
"During the current mission we'll study the middle Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Sector and Gakkel Ridge. Our research programs include those on the atmosphere, the marine environment, biotic resources, geological issues as well as those related to geophysics."

FILE: Arctic - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
6. Various of icebreaker sailing in ocean
7. Helicopter taking off from icebreaker
8. Various of Chinese researchers, helicopter taking off
9. Various of scientists on expedition

China's 13th arctic expedition team set sail on Wednesday for a mission that is expected to last through late September and cover a voyage of 15,500 nautical miles.

This mission will highlight long-term monitoring of key environmental factors and the geographical situation of median ridges along with geophysics.

"During the current mission we'll study the middle Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Sector and Gakkel Ridge. Our research programs include those on the atmosphere, the marine environment, biotic resources, geological issues as well as those related to geophysics," said Wang Jinhui, captain of China's 13th Arctic scientific expedition mission.

The latest mission is expected to enhance China's capacity in Arctic protection, countering changes and the evaluation of marine pollution. During the mission, scientists will also glean data and carry out researches along with counterparts from Russia, Thailand and other countries.

During the expedition mission last year, which lasted 79 days and covered a voyage of 14,000 nautical miles, the team completed comprehensive observations of the atmosphere, ocean and ecology in the Chukchi Sea, focusing on addressing climate change and protecting the ecological environment of the Arctic.

Geographically, China is a "Near-Arctic State," one of the continental states that are closest to the Arctic Circle. The natural conditions of the Arctic and their changes have a direct impact on China's climate system and ecological environment, and, in turn, on its economic interests in agriculture, forestry, fishery, marine industry and other sectors.

Since 1999, China has already completed 12 scientific expeditions in the Arctic, with its research vessels Xuelong and Xuelong 2 as the platform.